"Nutrition Field Specialist I"

Job Details

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Nutrition Field Specialist I

Posting Number
NFE02924P

Department
SDSU-Food & Families Programs-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City)
Unspecified

Posting Text

Join our South Dakota State University (SDSU) team as a Nutrition Extension Field Specialist I and help bring research-based nutrition education to communities across South Dakota. In this role, you’ll support the development and delivery of Extension programs that promote health and well-being, while building relationships with local partners and contributing to community-focused initiatives. If you’re passionate about nutrition, education, and making a positive impact, this is a great opportunity to grow your career and serve the people of South Dakota. This position will be located in one of our regional extension centers located in either Aberdeen, Lemmon, Pierre, Watertown, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, or Winner, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will provide strong statewide leadership, within their capstone area of specialization, in delivering research-based information, resources, programming, and support via learning communities while building relationships with stakeholder groups to support the vision of SDSU Extension.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a Master’s Degree from an accredited university or college; academic preparation and demonstrated scholarly mastery in a discipline relevant to family and community health such as Nutrition Dietetics, Horticulture, or other closely related field completed by date of application;
• At least one year of experience in nutrition education or programming;
• Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist or ability to obtain with 6 months of hire;
• Demonstrated understanding of accounting procedures and experience in generating grants and outside funds;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs;
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders and developing productive partnerships;
• Experience planning programs and managing large projects;
• Demonstrated experience in leading programs that effectively involve a variety of people;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communications;
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated leadership in developing or leading evidence-based programs.
• Demonstrated experience with food safety and Farm to School efforts.
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming.
• Previous Extension experience.
• Experience in publishing extension materials and peer reviewed journals.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Posting Date
12/12/2025

Closing Date
01/05/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $59,000.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours
8am to 5pm

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

This position requires
Travel, Valid Drivers License, Overnight stays

Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Michelle Tjeerdsma, Food & Families Program Director, at 605-782-3290 or michelle.tjeerdsma@sdstate.edu